How to protect your trees, shrubs and perennials for the winter

 

Winter in Quebec can be long and harsh, but that doesn't mean your garden has to become dull and lifeless. By taking a few precautions, you can protect your trees, shrubs, and perennials from the cold, wind, and snow, ensuring a healthy garden as soon as the warm weather returns.

Follow this guide to learn how to prepare your plants for winter and enjoy a beautiful outdoor space all year round.

Protecting Conifers

Conifers, such as cedars (upright) and dwarf spruces (spreading), are generally quite hardy, but their evergreen needles require constant moisture. Deep watering in the fall is crucial as it allows conifers to build up water reserves to cope with the cold and drying winds of spring. Without these reserves, they may lose their colour and some branches may turn brown.

Fall Watering: Water your conifers thoroughly until late fall, even after the first frost. Well-moistened soil will allow the roots to draw the necessary water throughout the winter.

Protection from Snow and Wind:

• Upright Conifers (cedars, junipers): Wrap them with a fine-mesh net that is permeable to air and water to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of snow. You can also tie them gently with twine.
• Conifers Near Buildings: Place stakes around conifers near the house or under the eaves to protect them from heavy snow accumulation.

Snow Fencing: Install snow fencing to protect your conifers from cold, drying winds. Snow fences can be installed around the base of conifers or form a complete shelter for dwarf conifers.

Protecting Trees: Young Saplings and Fruit Trees

Most mature trees do not require special winter protection. However, young trees, fruit trees, and grafted trees are more sensitive to the cold and require special attention.

• Protection from Rodents: Wrap the base of the trunk with a perforated white plastic spiral to prevent rodents from gnawing on the bark.
• Protection from Cold and Sun: Apply a white trunk protector to prevent cracks caused by frost and sun.
• Grafted Trees: Cover with a geotextile fabric held in place by 4 stakes. Protect the base with a plastic spiral.

Protecting Shrubs and Fragile Plants

Shrubs, especially less hardy varieties, can suffer from cold, wind, and the weight of snow. It is therefore important to protect them properly.

• Hardy Shrubs (hydrangeas, lilacs): Tie the branches together with a rope or nylon net to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the snow.
• Less Hardy Shrubs (roses, some flowering shrubs): Surround them with a snow fence covered with geotextile fabric to protect them from the cold and wind.
• Root Protection: Apply a layer of organic mulch (dead leaves, compost, bark) at the base of shrubs to protect their roots from frost.
• Individual Protection: Use winter protection covers to protect the most cold-sensitive shrubs.

Protecting Perennials

Perennials, such as hostas and peonies, appreciate winter protection for their roots.

• Pruning and Cleaning: Cut back faded perennials and clean flower beds to remove plant debris and prevent disease.
• Root Protection: Apply a layer of organic mulch (dead leaves, compost) to flower beds to protect the roots from frost.
• Protection of Sensitive Perennials: Cover the most cold-sensitive perennials (hardy geraniums, coral bells) with a winter protection cover or conifer branches.

Summary Table of Winter Protection Measures

• Avoid plastic! It prevents plants from breathing and leads to excessive condensation, which causes ice build-up and freeze-dried leaves.
• Pierce cones in several places to avoid mould problems.

                           

Winter Protection Summary for Each Plant Type

Plant Type	Snow Fence	Plastic Netting	Winter Cover	Styrofoam Cone	Perforated Plastic Spiral	Twine	Geotextile Fabric	Mulch
Upright Conifers		X				X	X
Spreading Conifers	X
Hardy Shrubs	X					X	X
Less Hardy Shrubs	X		X			X		X
Hedges	X					X	X	X
Roses			X	X		X		X
Hardy Roses	X
Trees					X
Fruit Trees					X
Less Hardy Perennials			X	X			X	X
Lawn							X
Flower Beds								X